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Tracking

Tracking is the ongoing collection and analysis of data to understand the "who, what, and where" of asthma. This information is used to plan, target, implement, and evaluate interventions where they are most needed.

Characterizing childhood asthma

CDC is funding the Bureau of Labor Statistics to collect data on social, environmental, and medical aspects of asthma among approximately 10,000 children through the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth.

National Asthma Survey

To provide in-depth state and local data to support various programs and policy needs, CDC developed and has tested an asthma survey module in four states (Alabama, California, Illinois, New York, and Texas) and is analyzing the data. New York implemented the survey in 2003, and Minnesota, Michigan and Oregon will implement it in 2005.

To better estimate asthma rates, CDC is funding the Kaiser Foundation Research Institute (Portland, Oregon) and the Miami-Dade County Health Department (Miami, Florida) to develop models for identifying new asthma cases.

Interventions

The program is ensuring that scientific information is translated into public health practices and programs to reduce the burden of asthma.

Controlling Asthma in American Cities

To decrease the burden of asthma among children in inner city populations, CDC has collaborative agreements with seven communities (New York City, Philadelphia, Chicago, Richmond, Oakland, St. Louis, and Minneapolis/ St. Paul). Each of the sites works through community-based coalitions to implement and coordinate multiple complementary and synergistic interventions in populations of need. Although specific interventions vary according to the needs and resources of the communities, all focus on a target population of children under 18 years of age.

Enabling the nation's schools to prevent asthma attacks and absences

CDC is funding seven urban school districts (Albuquerque, Baltimore, Charlotte, Detroit, Los Angeles, Memphis, Philadelphia) and one state education agency (Oregon) to develop and implement exemplary policies and programs to reduce asthma episodes and related absences. CDC also is funding six national nongovernmental organizations (American Lung Association, Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, Starlight Starbright Children's Foundation, National Association of School Nurses, American Academy of Pediatrics, and American Association of School Administrators) to support and address asthma education and management within a coordinated school health program. For updates on school-related asthma activities, go to http://www.cdc.gov/HealthyYouth/asthma/.

Improving asthma care

CDC is working with the Health Resources and Services Administration to support federally funded community health centers in developing and implementing a model standard of asthma care that involves a collaborative approach among the centers, state and local health departments, and community organizations.

CDC is funding grantees to implement the following two scientifically evaluated asthma interventions shown to decrease acute care visits, decrease hospitalizations, and increase compliance with asthma care plans: the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America’s "Asthma Care Training for Kids" (grantees at two Illinois sites) and the American Lung Association’s "Open Airways for Schools" (grantees in California and New Jersey).

Partnerships

Asthma control requires a coordinated response among many sectors, from the medical to the educational and business sectors. The program is supporting partnerships for developing, implementing, and evaluating local asthma control programs.

Public Health Research

CDC is conducting basic research to help target and inform asthma control efforts. CDC is (1) funding Kaiser Permanente of Oregon to conduct a study of HMO members to identify risk factors for onset of adult asthma related to worksite, home, and hobbies and (2) funding Mexico's National Institute for Public Health to define the effect of diesel and particulate matter exposure on the health of asthmatic children.

Training

CDC provides ongoing asthma training and educational activities and resources for state programs and others. CDC holds semiannual national meetings that provide attendees with opportunities to learn, network, and discuss asthma activities and issues. State programs and CDC share lessons learned through teleconference educational seminars. CDC works with partners to produce and disseminate training materials, such as the Asthma Speakers Kit for Health Care Professionals and the National Asthma Training Curriculum for increasing the skills and knowledge of the public health workforce.